Dongyange 东宴阁

Steps away from the Forbidden City, this posh eatery caters to the varied tastes of tourists and dealmakers with Imperial, Cantonese, Hunanese and foreign dishes prepared by an ex-Diaoyutai State Guesthouse chef. Here, one can dine like a dakuan'r on turtle soup, sea cucumber (RMB 88-188) and venison (RMB 88-188), cross culinary borders like a diplomat with French-style escargots or Korean-style duck head, or feast like a Qing aristocrat on Peking roast duck (RMB 118-158). Spice lovers and price-sensitive diners may prefer the Hunanese offerings like dry-wok donkey (RMB 52), homestyle tofu (RMB 22) and homestyle pork with peppers (RMB 32). The decor is “Mandarin chic” – teak furniture, screens, golden chopstick holders – and, yes, the embroidery and paintings on the walls are for sale.